Learners’ Perceptions of Use Your Own Device Practices and Targeted Learning Applications in Public Universities of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates university-level learners' attitudes toward the Use Your Own Device (UYOD) initiative and mobile learning applications in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on its impact on academic purposes, study habits, and collaborative learning. Digitalisation of education is increasing, and UYOD provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for public universities with limited infrastructure. While it improves access to learning materials and autonomy, the potential for distractions is a concern in this local context. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used, collecting data from 1,051 students across nine divisions of Punjab using a 76-item structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The survey assessed UYOD use, study habits, self-approbation, and collaborative learning. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS.
Participants moderately used UYOD for academic purposes, showing positive study habits, self-approbation, and collaborative learning. However, concerns about distractions highlight the need for focused device integration. Future studies should incorporate longitudinal mixed methods to better understand UYOD’s long-term effects and address distractions in its integration.